Its preferred habitat is dense vegetation adjacent to open grassland or shrubland, and open forests. Nests are often stick nests built by other species such as magpies, crows or hawks; rarely it will use cavities.
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The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) is similar in apperance to the larger Great Horned Owl except the Long-eared Owl has 'plus' marks on its chest and belly where the Great Horned Owl has horizontal bars. Widespread in the northern hemisphere, in North America
this owl breeds from western Canada to the Maritime Provinces, southward to Baja California, southern Arizona and New Mexico, and the Great Lakes region. In winter the owl migrates out of the northern-most part of its range. Feeding primarily on rodents, this owl has been shown under controlled conditions to be able to catch mice in complete darkness.
Its preferred habitat is dense vegetation adjacent to open grassland or shrubland, and open forests. Nests are often stick nests built by other species such as magpies, crows or hawks; rarely it will use cavities. |
| Mercey Hot Springs near Firebaugh California has a small grove of tamarix trees where wintering Long-eared Owls roost communally during the day. The owls disperse at night over the surrounding desert to hunt for Kangaroo Rats. The owners of the hot springs are very accomodating to visiting birders but they ask for a reasonable day-use fee. |
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Camera: Leica R8 with Leica Digital Module-R |
| Most of the owls seek other perches before I get within camera range but this particular bird waited patiently with its half-eaten Kangaroo Rat while I brought the tripod and camera through dense growth for photos. |
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Camera: Leica R8 with Leica Digital Module-R |